Alice Vol. 7 No. 4

Although they have continued to travel
and expand their reach as artists, growing
up and starting their music careers in
Alabama had a deep impact on them.
“We’ve always had so much respect for
the music scene in Alabama. It was a
hotbed for under-the-radar artists that
we thought were stars, and rightfully so,”
said Davidson.. “We wanted what they
had, and it kept us pushing forward with
the music we were making.”
Each of the members of The Brummies
displayed deep appreciation for their
roots and the Alabama music scene in its
entirety.
Another local band on the rise is The
Stews, originally from Auburn, Alabama;
Preston Hall, Bennett Baugus, Blake
Dobbs and Wyatt Griffith started playing
together during the summer 2020.
“During our first jam session, we
completed the song ‘Slip Away’ and
realized that we should continue writing
and playing together,” they said.
They began playing at college venues
in Auburn and Tuscaloosa. Their fame
quickly spread throughout the state before
gaining recognition from Nashville-based
rock band the Vegabonds, and touring
along the Southeast.
“Being from Alabama has helped us
tremendously in our early steps as a
band. When looking for a studio to record
our EP, [“The Stews EP,”] we all already
had FAME Studios in mind,” they said.
“It’s a privilege to have access to such a
historic place in our own state.”
Luke Washburn, a representative agent
for Atlas Touring, a booking agency based
in Charleston, SC, said The Stews “really
care and love what they do, and it shows”
that is what sets them apart.
As these artists grow, many locals are
happy to watch Alabama’s music scene
expand along with them.
“Birmingham has grown a lot in the
past 10 to 15 years. Previously when
national artists were touring, they would
go Atlanta to Nashville and not hit
Birmingham. Well, now, people come to
Birmingham,” said Willingham.. “So, we
want to make sure that the public knows
what’s happening and not just about the
Billy Eilish’s of the world, but we also
want them to know about the little local
shows going on at The Nick or Little Italy
or, you know, the local bands that play
Saturn.”
This is what MusicBham seeks to
do, showcase Alabama’s talent while
also connecting these local music
communities to further enrich Alabama’s
music scene.
Lauren Golston, a junior majoring
in public relations, said she thinks it’s
interesting how artists are now coming
to Birmingham because Atlanta used
to be the closest place mainstream
artists would get. Yet, artists coming to
Birmingham are bringing revenue and
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